1995 Ford Thunderbird LX 4.6L V8 from North America

Summary:

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 35,450 miles. (Dealership replaced it for free because the car was under warranty.)

Transmission started slipping at 69,315 miles. (Was low on transmission fluid, my husband put some in and it was fine after that)

Alternator replaced at 73,545 miles. ($300 fix)

Engine started tapping on start up after about 91,200 miles. (Lifter probably, but when the car warmed up it went away)

Fuel economy went down from an average of about 20 mpg to 17 mpg, and I was only getting above 19 mpg when I was on the freeway.

Engine died on the freeway at 102,394 miles due to the computer failing ($1,300 to fix)

Passenger door would not open from the outside at 119,842 miles.

Engine seized up on the freeway while my husband was racing it; I think at about 123,000 miles...

General Comments:

I personally liked this car, but my husband didn't. I think he hated it because it was a Ford honestly.

The car was very comfortable, fast, and performed pretty well. My husband destroyed the engine I think because he always drives everything hard. He just replaced the engine on his 1999 Grand Am last week from driving it too hard. I always tell him not to drive them hard, but he doesn't listen. He says he doesn't want to fix this one and tells me that I have to drive the Oldsmobile with over 175,000 miles for now. It is a good car, but it does not compare even close to my Thunderbird.

19th Feb 2009, 09:12

21st Aug 2013, 21:29

This was one of the most reliable American cars ever made, especially the V8. You still see nice ones on the road and for sale, despite production ending with the '97 model year. Can't say I see many '97 Grandma Am's around any more, or newer ones either. It sounds like your husband lacks mechanical sympathy, and over drove it, like his Pontiac.

1995 Ford Thunderbird LX 4.6 V8 from North America

Summary:

A great car for the price, and enough power and comfort to get you from A to B with a smile!

Faults:

Well, the black paint was oxidizing when I bought it not a month ago.

The odometer is broken at 119,000, but it's estimated at 138,000.

The cup holders are useless, as they're located inside the center console.

The brake line near the back passenger side is starting to leak.

A/C has a leak, but no oil leaks.

Suspension is weak, but hey it's a 13 year old car!

All in all it has held up great and I have no major complaints.

General Comments:

The car is very comfortable and roomy. You'll have no trouble carting people around in the spacious interior.

And as with most smaller engines, the 4.6 V8 has no trouble carrying you and your passengers.

Definitely a passenger-oriented car with ample room and comfy seats. Great cross between lux and sport. Options are great.

Sure, this thing is a dinosaur but it's still got a lot of life left in it, and if you treat it well this car can last. It was built when Ford could afford to make reliable, good automobiles. Nowadays, cheap plastic parts and engines that won't last 100,000 are dominating the American automakers.

26th Oct 2013, 12:44

I have a '95 Red T-Bird. The odometer is also out at 54k. My mom had the car sitting around since 2008. It's 2013 now, so there are a few problems with the suspension too. I think the engine has about 65k on it. I am wondering if I should spend the money to fix all the little things that are wrong with it? The body is in excellent condition. A/C is out. Leaking transmission fluid from the pan; front end needs to be completely rebuilt. Both windows do not roll down, power. Is it worth it?